Full Description
This textbook offers students who have no prior background in biblical studies an understanding of the lasting contribution of Israel's scriptures. Bringing a literary approach to the topic, it strikes a balance between historical reconstructions, comparative religions, and theology. Among several distinctive features, It traces the legacy of monotheism first emerging in the pages of Israel's scriptures as an enduring contribution for twenty-first century readers. Monotheism gives the volume an immediate relevance because the so-called Abrahamic religions are rooted in this concept. Whether one is Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or secularist, students will gain a new understanding of the origins of monotheism as their common heritage. The Second Edition of this textbook includes expanded discussions within the text and in sidebars, notably on the history of biblical scholarship, modern methods of interpretation, and wisdom literature.
Contents
1. What is the Old Testament?; 2. Word of Truth - Word of God; 3. The Old Testament World; 4. The Primary History; 5. Beginnings; 6. Ancestors; 7. Torah Story; 8. Torah Instruction; 9. Torah Revisited; 10. The Religion of Moses; 11. Was there an 'Ancient Israel'?; 12. Land; 13. Kings; 14. More Kings; 15. History Revisited; 16. More Books; 17. Israel's Wisdom; 18. Israel's Hymnal; 19. Israel's Prophets: The Maturing Period; 20. Israel's Prophets: The Crisis and Beyond; 21. Israel's Prophets: The Restoration; 22. Israel's Apocalyptic Message; 23. The Scrolls; 24. The Old Testament Today.
